A Hike Through Mammoth Lakes' Beauty
A Scenic Climb to a Crystal-Clear Lake
We began the Crystal Lake Trail at Lake George and went up through a forest of pine and fir trees with gorgeous views of Lake George and Lake Mary. This moderately challenging trail is famous for its scenic beauty and doable 3-mile round trip distance. With us, several hikers were ascending and descending the well-maintained trail, which is mainly shaded thanks to the dense forest.
After climbing for about 1.5 miles, we reached a junction with the Mammoth Crest Trail. We took a left turn here to continue to Crystal Lake. The final stretch to the lake became steeper and involved a water crossing.
A Breathtaking Alpine Sanctuary
We finally reached a beautiful alpine lake with crystal-clear water. Crystal Lake sits at an elevation of 9600 feet, so it’s no surprise that the views of the mountains, including the dramatic Crystal Crag, were mesmerizing. Since it was the perfect spot for a break, we sat on a large boulder and soaked in the scenery for a while. The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range provided a spectacular surrounding with its snow-covered peaks.
DateS
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Distance
3.64 miles
Moving Time
2:03:08 hours
WEATHER
70 °F, sun, clouds, gentle breeze